Burnham Pledges Free Social Care Plan Ahead of Labour Conference
Andy Burnham wants free social care in England. He plans to make it a key election promise.
Burnham spoke before the Labour Party conference. He said broken social care will break the NHS.
Burnham said the care plan would be detailed before the next election. If approved by voters it would start in the next Parliament.
Burnham will give more details on Tuesday. Baroness Louise Casey will help design the plan.
The prime minister will also announce reforms at the conference on Tuesday. Funding details are still being decided.
Burnham said everyone would contribute to the cost. But he said it might not use NHS-style taxes.
The Health Foundation estimated free social care would cost £18 billion. Burnham said the true cost was lower than that.
Big care bills can wipe out savings or homes. Gaps in care can keep patients in hospitals longer.
Key Terms 5
- Andy Burnham Mayor of Greater Manchester and senior Labour politician.
- Labour Party conference Annual meeting where the UK's Labour Party sets policy.
- NHS National Health Service, Britain's public healthcare system.
- Baroness Louise Casey British peer known for advising on social policy issues.
- Health Foundation UK charity that researches health and care costs.